posh pua spring/summer 2010

hinahina

a year has zipped by since posh pua was first introduced on h|h and the maui label's spring/summer 2010 collection is a bit overdue for a peek. julie from posh pua sent word about the new lineup while i was deep undercover finishing up h|h's makeover and i finally had a chance to click over to the website and found the new convertible hinahina bikini top too cute not to share. with some simple remanuevering, hinahina can go from strapless to a halter style and offers a sweet surprise around the back with its darling knotted tie.

all in all, there are quite a few new additions to the swim line with five mix-and-match styles on offer this season. while swimwear production has moved off maui to keep up with demand, julie continues to make the everyday staples sewn with eco-friendly textiles including new additions like racerback tanks and bamboo/organic cotton leggings to pair with your favorite tunics and dresses all year round.

lola

metallic racerback tunic * bamboo leggings

the lovely patterned textiles found in the swim collection are limited edition and gone for good once they sell out (aloha sweet hearts pattern!). your best bet is to check in with julie prior to ordering and inquire about the current selection which typically includes three solids and three patterns.

you can scoop up all the featured styles via posh pua's etsy shop as well as the official online shop where the hard-to-fit can order up a bikini with custom measurements. or support your neighborhood stockists and make your way to wings hawaii in paia and guava shop in haleiwa.

heather brown summer 2010

heather brown for rip curl girl

since kaua'i artist heather brown was first featured two years ago, the artwork that makes so many of us swoon has taken her across the pacific to establish a gallery of her own in japan and, more recently, inspired a collaboration with rip curl. yep, you can now hit the surf wrapped in those gorgeous glassy waves that have become one of heather's delightful motifs. proof that following your heart and doing what you love can only lead to good things.

the summer 2010 collection is part of the surf label's "artist of the search" series in europe which means, alas, only select styles are available here in the states. continuing on with yesterday's eco theme, many of the looks are made of organic cotton (or "coton bio" as described on the european website . . . ooh la la!) with the swimwear made of a recycled poly blend. in addition to dresses, tops and hoodies, our lucky friends in europe also get to take their pick of a range of accessories and petite tees for little wahines.

word is that more of the collection should be arriving stateside this winter so, until then, let's console ourselves with a few peeks so you can jot down your favorites on your xmas wish list.

your best bet to scoop up the handful of styles available outside of europe is at hic and surf 'n sea in haleiwa as well as mainland stockists. you may also want to try your luck online where i managed to track down the organic tee (here) as well as the bikinis and slippers (here) that round out the collection.

{mahalo chelsea & spencer!}

{photo credit: ted grambeau for rip curl}

beach peek: kikidoll

last fall, i happened across the kikidoll website which instantly intrigued me with a single photo (see below). soon after, a chat with designer kimberly "kiki" farmer uncovered that the new swimwear line would be officially launching in the new year so i patiently waited to post a show & tell until the full lineup was available for your enjoyment.

if you have been yearning for a sweet bikini for summertime, you will be delighted to discover kikidoll which offers beachwear infused with a palette of tropical pastels and darling patterns mixed with au natural trimmings (think mother of pearl, bamboo, and coconut shell).

a childhood spent splashing in the waters off waikiki combined with a lifelong love of vintage hawaiiana were the inspiration for kikidoll (a wink to the designer's keiki nickname). despite a family move to the mainland, kiki, who currently calls florida home, found herself reminiscing about the islands by sketching the very designs that would later become the gorgeous textiles featured in the debut collection.

every single style has been tested by kiki who assures me that, even in all their loveliness, her bikinis are designed for swimming and surfing in addition to sunning. pretty and functional - yay!

aqua shell balconette bikini & beachskirt

orchid bamboo beachskirt * mai tai bamboo bandeau

aloha kikidoll!

the original kikidoll sneak peek (above) - am i the only one swooning for this turquoise seashell sofa which is beach bungalow perfection? i think we may need to petition kiki to begin offering a textile line so that we can decorate our nests with her charming, ocean-inspired designs.

back on the beach, the luxury lineup features four-way stretch lycra, a hawaiian fit (described as an alternative to skimpier brazilian cuts), and are fully lined to avoid any peekaboo moments. and, happily, all the swimwear is made in the usa.

kikidoll's 2010 collection can now be scooped up in the online shop.

p.s. tying the knot? custom bikinis in bridal white and something blue can be ordered by brides planning an island honeymoon.

letarte 2010 collection

starfish bikini

hope everyone had a lovely weekend and took a moment to take a tour of the new website (this would mean you, mr. & ms. email or rss subscriber!). while i was away tinkering on h|h's makeover, the letarte 'ohana sent over news of the maui-based label's ten year collection which scored quite a few snaps in the latest edition of the sports illustrated swimsuit issue.

letarte can always be counted on for girly glam - fun and flirty beach-inspired looks accompanied by either a dash of boho, a hint of rocker edge, or a cheeky combination of the two (hello skull toile!). i continue to swoon for letarte's pretty, playful prints including the gorgeous abstract feather design introduced this season and the aloha guitar's cheery repeat which was inspired by hawaii's own slack key guitar and ukulele (be sure to take a peek at the coordinating tunic with little aloha's embroidered along the hem).

and, of course, no letarte collection would be complete without a proper coverup which is offered in an endless variation be they bardot-inspired nautical stripes, sweet peasant details, or luxe embellishments.

more peeks below . . .

feathers bikini with leather straps

aloha guitar

pink sand tunic

pineapple juice maxi

2010 styles have already landed in letarte's online shop (which offers complimentary shipping to the upper 48) and the flagship boutique in paia.

• where: 24 baldwin avenue, paia
• shop hours: mon to sat, 9a to 6p & sun, 10a to 6p

take a peek at the collection and remember to report back and share your favorite looks!

letarte sale at hautelook!

swooned for letarte's 2009 resort collection when it was featured on h|h? hele over to hautelook which just kicked off a huge sale this morning. a quick peek revealed over 100 styles from saucy swimwear to letarte's lovely tunics for 55% off!

if you are not a member, simply register at hautelook to access the sale. alas, no returns are allowed so click over to letarte's size chart to help you select the best fit while shopping.

• sale dates: now to sat, feb 6th @ 8:59a pst